General Sports 24 Hours

Last updated: August 17, 2026, 9:59 PM ET

College Football

Ohio State and Oregon opened as the top two teams in the AP preseason poll, marking the first time the Big Ten Conference has held the top two spots in 65 years. The Buckeyes claimed the No. 1 ranking, while the Ducks settled at No. 2, setting up a highly anticipated showdown between Tennessee and Georgia early in the season. The Volunteers secured a major commitment from four-star quarterback Kaden Craft, ESPN's No. 3 dual-threat passer in the 2028 cycle, bolstering their future at the position. The SEC placed five teams in the top, led by No. 3 Georgia and No. 5 Texas, highlighting the conference's continued strength. As the season approaches, Kiffin and Ole Miss prepare for what promises to be another chaotic campaign, with Bill Belichick entering his second year at the helm. For fans looking to maximize their enjoyment, the Group of 5 betting preview offers insights into the best bets across the Mountain West and new-look Pac-12.

Soccer

Arsenal demonstrated their continued dominance with a commanding Community Shield victory, underscoring the challenge facing Manchester City in the post-Guardiola era. Without Pep Guardiola at the helm, City can no longer rely on their status as perennial favorites, making the upcoming season a defining chapter for the club's new coaching staff. Across Europe, Cliftonville members voted in favor of a takeover by the Toronto Investment Group TIG, settling the future of the Northern Irish club after a long-running saga. In Wales, Eddie James signed a new contract with the Scarlets ahead of the 2026-27 season, securing his future at the region. Meanwhile, Willis Halaholo announced his retirement from professional rugby after a series of niggling injuries brought his career to a close.

Golf

LIV Golf canceled its individual and team championship in Michigan, shifting the season finale to Indianapolis and signaling a major pivot for the Saudi-backed tour. The decision came after weeks of speculation, with LIV citing the need to focus on "building its next chapter." Rory McIlroy expressed concern about the state of his game after finishing 66th in the FedEx Cup St. Jude Championship, describing himself as feeling "lost" and highlighting the urgency for improvement heading into the playoffs. In amateur golf, Jack Whaley became only the third Englishman to win the US Amateur Championship, crediting his father for the emotional victory in a family affair that will be remembered for years to come.

Tennis

Wimbledon semi-finalist Arthur Fery earned his place in Great Britain's Davis Cup team, set to face Ecuador in September. His selection adds star power to the British lineup as they aim to make a deep run in the competition. In women's tennis, Amy Hunt exploded onto the global stage by winning an unprecedented four gold medals at the European Athletics Championships, establishing herself as Great Britain's new track sensation. Her dominance in the sprints and relays has drawn comparisons to some of the greatest British athletes of all time.

Basketball

The Indiana Fever secured a crucial 95-91 overtime victory over the Dream, gaining breathing room in the playoff race. The game carried major playoff implications, and the atmosphere inside State Farm Arena felt like the postseason, with both teams delivering high-stakes performances. In Phoenix, the Mercury retired Diana Taurasi's No. 3 jersey in an emotional ceremony following their 88-85 loss to the Portland Fire. Taurasi took center stage, detailing a Hall of Fame career that now includes this iconic honor, cementing her legacy as one of the greatest players in WNBA history.

Rugby

Joe Root is set to lead England into their Test series against Pakistan, with teammates like Harry Brook voicing strong support for his leadership. Brook, in an exclusive interview, backed Root for the Test captaincy and addressed frustrations about his own batting form. Charlie Dean will captain England for their one-day international series against Ireland in September, with regular captain Nat Sciver-Brunt among several senior players receiving much-needed rest. In Wales, the blockbuster Cardiff City versus Wrexham Championship opener drew global attention, showcasing the growing appeal of Welsh football on the international stage.

Horse Racing

Marshall Gramm, a college professor and noted bettor, was charged with accessing confidential horse health information, facing a potential lifetime ban from the sport. The case highlights ongoing concerns about data security and integrity in horse racing, as authorities continue to investigate how sensitive information was compromised.

MMA

Islam Makhachev solidified his legacy in the lightweight division with another dominant title defense, while Mackenzie Dern also impressed with a commanding performance that teed up her next matchup. Two exciting welterweights, Carlos Prates and Michael Morales, have entered the Makhachev sweepstakes, adding fresh energy to the title picture.

Sailing

British sailing duo Martin Wrigley and Bettine Harris established themselves as favorites for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics by capturing gold at the 470 World Championship in Japan. Their victory in Tokyo has set the tone for their Olympic campaign, with the pair demonstrating the consistency and skill needed to compete at the highest level.

Aquatics

Keanna MacInnes led Great Britain to the top of the medals table at the European Aquatics Championships in Paris, helping the team secure two gold medals on Sunday. Her performances in the pool have elevated her status as one of Britain's premier aquatic athletes, with eyes already turning toward future international competitions.

Formula 1

The Dutch Grand Prix marked a bittersweet farewell for Zandvoort, as Formula 1 prepares to leave the iconic circuit behind. A selection of images captured the emotion and excitement of the final race weekend, preserving memories of a track that has hosted some of the sport's most thrilling moments over the decades.

Cricket

Kolkata Knight Riders are exploring the possibility of investing in a new Hundred franchise if the competition expands to 10 teams. The IPL franchise's interest signals growing international attention on English domestic cricket and the potential for increased investment in the T20 format.

Cycling

Jonas Vingegaard will miss the rest of the season as he continues his recovery from a broken collarbone sustained during July's Tour de France. The Team Visma rider's absence is a significant blow to the cycling calendar, with fans and competitors alike hoping for a full recovery ahead of next year's major races.

Heisman

The new team behind the Heisman Trophy launched Heisman Hopefuls, a data-driven storytelling and fan voting platform designed to expand the conversation around college football's most prestigious award. The initiative gives fans their first-ever vote in the process, adding a new layer of engagement to the already storied tradition.